Waterbird Photos

Black Skimmer

Gulls and Pelicans

Photograph by Mark Dodge, My Shot

Taken along the Russian River in Goat Rock State Beach, Sonoma County, California. The shore was very rough that day and the skies were overcast. Everyone seemed to settle in and rest. I was amazed at the number of pelicans along the river's edge. This shot represents only about 30 percent of the total number of birds there. It was a spectacular sight.

Common Tern

Seagulls Feeding

Photograph by Dale Williamson, My Shot

During a weekend getaway to the Oregon Coast, my wife opened a window late one afternoon to toss bits of a cracker to some waiting gulls. Before many tosses, several gulls lined up for the treats, sometimes entering the room with their wings as they swooped past. I started clicking away (Canon PowerShot Pro 1). It was only when reviewing the captured images that we realized how acrobatic these beautiful birds can be.

Snapping Pelican

Photograph by Ryan Kennedy, My Shot

This photo was taken on a deep sea fishing boat on the way back toward shore. The pelicans flew out to the boat and landed on it to meet us in hopes of food. I got a little too close to this one so he snapped at me, and my only defense was to push the camera button.

Black-Browed Albatross

Photograph by Allan Hansen, My Shot

The black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) coming in for a landing (with feet out to slow down) on Steeple Jason in the Falkland Islands. It is a fantastic place—the largest colony of black-browed albatrosses breed here. I hope to return one day.